Surgery ends Meyer’s career

If Gold Coast Titans are relying on the cavalry saving the day, they can count out one of their most experienced campaigners, Brad Meyers.

The former Brisbane Broncos, Bradford (England), Queensland and Kangaroos forward, who is affectionately known as “Big Red”, confirmed on Sunday he had retired from football following wrist surgery which will sideline him for 20 weeks.

Meyers said he had not made his decision official but it was common knowledge among the playing group.

“It’s not the way I wanted to go out,” he said. “I injured the wrist against Canberra (in round four) and if I’d known that was my last game it would be a bit different. But that’s football. I’m looking forward to life after football, but it’s hard sitting there watching the boys go through what they had to today.

“It’s 20 weeks recovering from the surgery. The doc has fused the bones together so it’s strong and I won’t have problems. I had the ligament repaired at the end of 2010. But it blew up leading into the Canberra game and then I made a tackle and it felt like I had broken my hand.”

Meyers said the Titans had the talent to make the NRL finals.

“I’ve got heaps of faith in the young blokes,” he said. “We’re struggling a bit, but there’s just a few little things we need to tweak.”

Meyers said he had enjoyed his career, in particular the chance to make so many friends.